Greens abuzz for $10,000 Forbes Easter bowls carnival | Forbes Advocate

Players from Sydney and the Central Coast are expected to figure prominently in this weekend’s $10,000 Easter Bowls Carnival.

“It’s great to see state covid restrictions eased in time for the weekend which I’m sure is only going to add to the success of the carnival for the ‘Bowlie’ and the town as a whole as we have many visitors coming,” club and carnival bowls co-ordinator Viv Russell said earlier this week.

Pairs and fours are the major events with a maximum 42 pairs entered ensuring all three greens at the club will be in full use on Friday.

“At this stage we have 18 teams for the fours which is around the usual number but there is always a few late entries here so we are expecting 20 plus teams,” Viv added.

Entry for triples, usually played Sunday, are taken on the day with much depending on results from Friday and Saturday pairs and fours.

“The majority of visiting players are amongst the best who play at their Sydney and the Central Coast based clubs and will be well worth watching,” Viv said. “Some of these have had success at State level.”

The strong Dee Why Club will be sending six teams for the pairs while Belrose will include former state representatives Billy Johnston and James Brown.

Amongst former Forbes residents to compete will be Peter Harry playing out of the Merrylands Club where he is credited with club champion success while also finding considerable success on the Forbes greens including the last played Ben Hall Pairs as well as an Easter Fours title.

Another former local, Glenn Ashcroft, is bringing two teams from Belrose and is tipped by many to collect a share of the prizemoney.

Ross Antram from the Soldiers Point Club is returning to play with former seniors state title holder Lindsay Willding, now a popular member of the Forbes Club.

His son Terry, a former state representative, also plays out of Soldiers Point and another to find success this weekend playing with Wayne Shipley who will relish playing against the best this weekend.

Leading the local charge is expected to be Greg Gunn and ‘Bert’ Bayley while Jeff Nicholson will carry the famous family name accompanying his brother Graham as will Brian Asimus playing with his brother David out of the Maitland Club.

Amongst other local pairings is Greg Ward and Warren Keep who on their day could spring the usual upset.

“I can guarantee there will be some great bowls played this weekend and for all this to happen we had to have sponsors and there is none better than our major sponsor, the Forbes Shire Council,” Viv said.

“We must also thank all sponsors of the ‘Bowlie’ who contribute to the success of the club week in, week out,” Viv added.

Laurie Crouch who has stepped up as a leading volunteer

helping with preparing the greens, knows what it takes to win the major having had success in the mid 90s with the late Stuart Cheney as his partner.

“After the recent rains and plenty of sunshine this week I can guarantee the greens will be in excellent condition, which they should be for such a major tournament,” Laurie said.

“Last Saturday were had many volunteers here helping with painting and edging around the greens, they look great and a credit to the club and all volunteers who have helped out recently,” he added.

Prior to the start of the carnival on Friday, today (Thursday) regular midweek bowlers will play in the Bob Asimus Memorial sponsoreds by members of his family who have indicated it will be a regular event in coming years.

Along with bowls in-club activities will include sea food raffles tonight (Thursday) and again tomorrow evening.

For more information regarding all scheduled for the Easter weekend at the Forbes ‘Bowlie’ phone 6852 1499.